Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

In this Photoshop how to tutorial you will learn how to merge shapes together which is called in Photoshop (combine) and then save and re-use this final shape for some stunning Photoshop effects.

Related Articles:

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Here is our final result.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Let's begin. First type in letter (S), select some nice font and set the size around 100-150px via character tool.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Now drag this layer down into layers icon (create new layer) which will duplicate this layer or select via menu (layer->duplicate layer). Then flip this shape horizontally via menu (Edit->Transform->Flip Horizontal) and move it slightly to the right until you are happy about your result.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Now add some crown from our pre-defined shapes, in case you don't have one use something else or create your own by our other tutorial (Photoshop how to create custom shape tutorial).

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

We have for now everything we need, but our two letters S are still font and not a shapes. To change those letters into shape right click layer with letter S and select (Convert to Shape).

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Repeat same step for other letter S. You should have all layers as shapes now.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

We have all layers as shapes but we want them as one shape. Click on one of the shape layers on the vector mask thumbnail (the one on the right) and copy this shape via (CTRL + C).

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Now click on one of the shape layers on the vector mask thumbnail of the other shape and paste this shape into current selected one via (CTRL + V). Then you will see on the top left button (combine), so do not hesitate and go for it :-) it will merge our 2 shapes into one.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Repeat same steps for our crown (or your own shape) from previous step.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

As the result you should have now only one layer with one custom made shape.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Now choose the Path Selection Tool from the Tools Palette, right-click our shape and select (define custom shape) and save it for later.

Merge and combine shapes tutorial for photoshop

Final result with some background and some photoshop effects.

Related Articles: